Short answer: the HiVi Swan X3. It ranks #10 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $179. The Mackie CR3-X ranks #34, rated 3.0/5, at $99.99, $79.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the Mackie CR3-X: Inexpensive small desktop speakers with RCA and aux inputs for casual listening at moderate volume. It keeps a wired aux input, which the HiVi Swan X3 lacks. Watch for: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz.
The HiVi Swan X3 is the more accurate choice. An affordable small coaxial desktop pair with fairly balanced sound for the money. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.04 against 2.50 for the Mackie CR3-X. The catch: Not a flat reference monitor: the response spans 5.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and trends upward toward the treble.
Buy the HiVi Swan X3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $79.01 you would save on the Mackie CR3-X does not close the gap.
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Inexpensive small desktop speakers with RCA and aux inputs for casual listening at moderate volume.
An affordable small coaxial desktop pair with fairly balanced sound for the money.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie CR3-X | HiVi Swan X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 per pair | $179.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #34 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #10 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 8.1”H x 5.5”W x 7.1”D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) | 5” x 4.8” x 7.1” (128 x 123 x 181 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 75Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | RCA |
| Outputs | 1/8” headphone jack | - |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 3-inch coaxial woofer and tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) | 28W RMS Per Speaker |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 | 4.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.42 | 7.03 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Enclosure | - | Active coaxial, rear-ported |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 71Hz (measured, Spinorama) |
| Configuration | - | Powered desktop monitor |
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